[FEB. 6, 2006]
ATLANTA -- The motel in Atlanta was recently
purchased and has changed its name. It is now an Americas Best Value
Inn, part of a rapidly growing international chain of motels with
over 500 worldwide. The new manager, Naresh Desai, has already done
some major renovations and has plans for many more changes that will
make the motel a suitable location for business conferences or a
great place for family stopovers and getaways.
Desai has been working with local
officials, tourism and business directors looking for ways to meet
business and family lodging needs. He hopes the motel will be a part
of attracting more tourism to the Logan County area as the
Route 66
National Scenic Byway project ramps up.
The motel is only about a dozen years old and is in great
condition. Room renovations include all new linens, high-speed
wireless and data port Internet. The reception area has been
completely remodeled, a new meeting and business conference area is
in the works, and plans are laid to add a deluxe suite and an indoor
pool.
Desai is excited about the new building planned that will offer
three distinctive and diverse food environments. A pizza fun center
is planned to one side, a hamburger-style diner area to the other
side and, in the center, something suited to the business person.
The Country-Aire Restaurant across the street has partnered with
the motel, and a complementary full breakfast is included with
overnight stay.
Desai and several corporate officials from
Americas Best Value Inn
were joined by a number local dignitaries for a grand opening last
week. On hand were Atlanta Mayor Bill Martin, Lincoln Mayor Beth
Davis, Mount Pulaski Mayor Bill Glaze, Logan County Board Chairman
Bob Farmer, Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors with director Bobbi
Abbott, development director Rob Orr, and tourism director Geoff
Ladd.
The tourism director has been assisting the motel with promotion
and providing tourism racks and brochures. "This facility has
tremendous potential, not only with its proximity to I-55, but also
because of the Route 66 tourism attractions in Atlanta and in Logan
County," Ladd said. He mentioned that the Route 66 Association of
Illinois Motor Tour will be coming to Logan County in June --
bringing 250 enthusiasts and filling our motels, including Atlanta.
